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The Big Prawn

The Big Prawn — A giant prawn sculpture standing 9 metres tall at the entrance to Ballina on the Pacific Highway.

Attraction · Big Thing in New South Wales

Jake MitchellWritten by Jake Mitchell

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About The Big Prawn

A giant prawn sculpture standing 9 metres tall at the entrance to Ballina on the Pacific Highway. Originally built in 1989, it was relocated and restored in 2013 after a Bunnings store was built on its original site.

About

A giant prawn sculpture standing 9 metres tall at the entrance to Ballina on the Pacific Highway. Originally built in 1989, it was relocated and restored in 2013 after a Bunnings store was built on its original site.

History & Significance

Built in 1989 as a roadside attraction celebrating Ballina's connection to prawn fishing and the local seafood industry. Originally located on a different site, it was relocated and restored in 2013 after a Bunnings store was constructed on its original location.

Getting There

Map of The Big Prawn

Located at the entrance to Ballina on the Pacific Highway, about 30 km south of Byron Bay. Easy drive access from the highway.

Parking

Free parking available on-site. Limited capacity but suitable for cars and small vehicles; adequate for the brief visit duration.

Visitor Tips

  • Stop on your way through Ballina on the Pacific Highway — it's right at the entrance
  • Perfect for a quick photo stop, especially with kids
  • Get there early morning or late afternoon for the best light and minimal traffic
  • Wheelchair accessible so the whole family can get close

Quick Facts

At a Glance

The Place

Significance
State

Plan Your Visit

Entry
Free
Duration
15 minutes
Best Time
Any time — it's a quick 15-minute stop. Early morning or late afternoon offers better light for photos and fewer passing vehicles.
Hours
Open 24 hours. Viewing anytime.

Good to Know

Wheelchair AccessibleAll ages

Highlights

Giant Prawn SculpturePhoto OpportunityBallina Landmark

Activities

Photography

Family & Visitor Info

Ages
All ages
Shade/Cover
Limited shade
Pram Friendly
Yes

Food & Drink

No BYO

No food facilities on-site. Ballina town centre is nearby for meal options.

Features

Available:Wheelchair Accessible
Not available:Dog Friendly
Available:Pram/Stroller Friendly
Not available:Camping Available
Not available:Tours Available
Not available:Guided Walks
Not available:Swimming Allowed
Not available:Lockers Available

Facilities

Parking

Nearby

Dump Points(5)

4.4km

BP Ballina Travel Centre Dump Point

Free · 4.4km

27.6km

Lismore Showgrounds Dump Point

$? · 27.6km

30.7km

Coraki Riverside Park

Free · 30.7km

32.1km

Evans Head Dump Point

Free · 32.1km

33.4km

Uralba Street Reserve

Free · 33.4km

Nearby

Dump Points(5)

4.4km

BP Ballina Travel Centre Dump Point

Free · 4.4km

27.6km

Lismore Showgrounds Dump Point

$? · 27.6km

30.7km

Coraki Riverside Park

Free · 30.7km

32.1km

Evans Head Dump Point

Free · 32.1km

33.4km

Uralba Street Reserve

Free · 33.4km